DCF Applies for $6 Million in Additional Federal Funds to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Last week, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) submitted an application to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction grant. This grant is designed to address the opioid crisis by expanding and enhancing access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services for persons with an opioid use disorder. If awarded, Florida would receive $2 million per year for up to three years.
“We are committed to using every available tool to help those in need as we continue to aggressively fight the national opioid epidemic in Florida,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This grant will provide critical funding to obtain additional resources which provide further support to communities in need of vital treatment for individuals and families.”
This grant would supplement the $27 million State Targeted Response Grant received in May to fund opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery support services across the state. Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order 17-146 on May 3, declaring a statewide Public Health Emergency and directing the immediate draw down of the $27 million in grant funds.
The proposal is aimed to increase the number of individuals receiving MAT, increase the number of individuals receiving integrated care, and increase the number of individuals receiving peer and other recovery support services. These proven methods of treatment will allow thousands of families to receive needed services in their communities. Other goals include decreasing the use of illicit/non-prescribed opioids, increasing the percent of individuals retained in care six months after initiating treatment, and improving social functioning.
Florida is one of the 17 eligible states to apply for the grant. SAMHSA will award grants to up to five states in the fall.